Lexi Webster
Cordyline, also known as ti, is a common decorative plant that can be grown outdoors or indoors. The most widely grown species is Cordyline australis, which is native to New Zealand. It has plain green leaves, but there are also cultivars with variegated, coloured or multi-coloured foliage. Green-leaved forms are the largest and fastest-growing, reaching around 5 metres high. Cordyline australis is the hardiest species and should survive outdoors in mild parts of the UK, especially in a sheltered spot. However, young plants and cultivars with coloured foliage are susceptible to winter damage. In colder parts of the UK, bring the plants indoors or provide them with winter protection.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Species | Cordyline australis |
| Common names | Ti, Red Star |
| Origin | New Zealand |
| Height | Up to 5 metres |
| Climate | Tropical, warm |
| Light | Bright, indirect |
| Soil | Well-drained, acidic, neutral to alkaline pH |
| Watering | Moist, not soggy |
| Humidity | High |
| Temperature | Above 62°F |
| Fertiliser | Balanced |
| Pruning | Mid-spring |
| Propagation | Seeds, cuttings, suckers |
| Pot | Tall, with drainage holes |
| Toxicity | Harmful to pets and animals |
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What You'll Learn
Sunlight: Cordyline australis needs bright, indirect sunlight
Sunlight is an important factor to consider when growing and caring for a Cordyline australis plant. These plants require bright, indirect sunlight to thrive. While they can tolerate some direct sunlight, especially in the morning or evening, too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and cause damage.
Cordyline australis, also known as the cabbage palm, is native to New Zealand and can grow to impressive heights, with some varieties reaching up to 5 meters tall. Their striking foliage, which comes in a range of colours, is their main appeal. To keep these plants healthy and looking their best, providing the right amount and type of sunlight is essential.
Bright, indirect sunlight is ideal for Cordyline australis as it mimics the dappled light of their native habitat in tropical regions. If you're growing your plant indoors, place it near a sunny window, preferably facing east, or a few feet away from a southern or western window to benefit from the morning or evening sun while avoiding the harsh midday rays.
During the warmer months, when the sun is at its strongest, it's important to protect your Cordyline australis from excessive direct sunlight. If you're growing your plant outdoors, choose a location that receives morning or afternoon sun but is shaded during the hottest part of the day. You can also provide additional shade by placing taller plants or structures nearby to create a sheltered spot.
In the winter, as the sun is lower in the sky and less intense, your Cordyline australis may benefit from being moved to a sunnier location. If growing it indoors, consider placing it in a brighter spot or rotating it regularly to ensure even growth. However, continue to avoid direct sunlight for extended periods, especially during the middle of the day.
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Soil: Well-drained, acidic soil is best
Well-drained, acidic soil is best for Cordyline australis. The soil should be moist but not soggy, as this can cause the base of the plant to rot. If your cordyline is a houseplant, it's important to let the soil drain and dry before watering again. To keep the plant humid, you can put pebbles or gravel around the base.
Cordyline australis grows well in pots, especially if you live in a colder climate. You can bring the plant indoors during the winter and move it outdoors once the weather warms up and there is no longer any threat of frost. If you're growing your plant in a pot, make sure it has adequate drainage holes to accommodate the long taproot and several years of root growth.
When planting outdoors, ensure the soil drains well. If your cordyline grows too large for its pot, you can prune it in mid-spring and apply fertiliser to encourage new growth.
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Climate: Tropical climate plants, they thrive in humidity
Cordyline is a tropical plant native to southeast Asia, eastern Australia, Hawaii, and other Pacific islands. It is a member of the dracaena family and thrives in warm, humid climates.
Cordyline australis, in particular, is native to New Zealand and is the most widely grown species. It has plain green leaves, although cultivars with variegated, coloured, or multicoloured foliage are also available. The green-leaved forms are the largest and fastest-growing, reaching up to 5 metres in height. Coloured and variegated varieties are less vigorous and rarely exceed 2.5-3 metres in height, especially when grown in containers.
Cordyline australis is reasonably hardy and can survive outdoors in mild climates or sheltered sites during winter, tolerating temperatures down to 5°C. In colder regions, it is advisable to grow cordylines in pots and bring them indoors or into a heated greenhouse during the winter months. They require bright, indirect sunlight, acidic soil, and humid conditions, with temperatures above 62°F (16.6°C).
To create a humid environment for your cordyline, you can utilise several methods. One approach is to place pebbles or gravel around the plant to retain moisture in the soil and increase humidity. Additionally, you can spritz the plant daily or use a humidifier to enhance the humidity level. However, it is essential to avoid excessive moisture, as cordylines are susceptible to root rot if the soil remains soggy.
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Pruning: Prune in mid-spring to encourage new growth
Cordylines generally require little pruning, but pruning can be necessary to keep them looking good, control their size, or remove damage caused by frost or wind.
If your cordyline has grown too large, you can prune it in mid-spring to encourage new growth. To do this, cut the cordyline down to the desired height, sawing through the main stem just above a sideshoot or basal shoot, or down at ground level. You may want to trim back individual stems in a staggered pattern to keep the plant full. Make sure to use a sharp knife or saw to make clean cuts. After pruning, apply a balanced fertiliser to encourage new growth.
Take care if cutting down a large cordyline with a thick trunk—it may be best to get a specialist contractor to do this. If your plant has suffered winter damage or dieback, prune this out in spring, making your cut just above a sideshoot or at a sound point on the trunk, below any rot and damage.
Cordylines can be propagated from stem cuttings. Cut 3- to 5-inch pieces from mature stems and remove all the leaves. Lay the pieces in a damp mixture of sand and perlite, keeping them in a room that's at least 62 degrees Fahrenheit. Shoots will grow from the eyes of the stems and can be planted in potting soil when they have about four to six leaves each.
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Winter care: Bring indoors or wrap to protect from frost
Cordyline australis is reasonably hardy and can survive outdoors in mild areas or sheltered sites during winter. However, it is generally best to bring cordyline plants indoors over winter or provide them with winter protection.
In cold regions, it is recommended to grow cordylines in pots so that they can be moved under cover during the winter. If you are growing cordyline in the ground, you can protect it from frost by tying the foliage together in a bunch to reduce wind damage and prevent water from collecting in the growing points, which can cause rot. You can also wrap the main stem with layers of fleece and place a layer of mulch over the root area.
Cordylines can be brought indoors for care during the winter, but they should be placed in a frost-free location such as a greenhouse, porch, or conservatory. They can also be given temporary shelter in a shed or garage during cold snaps.
Cordyline australis can tolerate temperatures down to around -5°C, but young plants and cultivars with coloured foliage are susceptible to winter damage. In colder parts of the UK, it is recommended to give all species winter protection or bring them indoors.
If your cordyline has suffered winter damage, you can prune it in the spring by cutting just above a sideshoot or at a sound point on the trunk below any rot or damage.
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